the diff is making a noise but no whirring.

[leescreen123]

After a close call with the cambelt, (tensioner completely destroyed belt slipped but no damage occurred!) vw have advised me that i have a noisy diff, the question is now, how long does the box have left? its abit notchy to get into first but other then that no real issues. The only thing that confuses me is that i don't have this ''whine'' that everyone seems to be describing. bit gutted really as the car has only done 33k and is costing me a fortune to maintain, and scared to drive it enthusaticly as i fear it may dissentergrate!

[tegwin]

Dont let it get you down.... you will get it right eventually...... cambelt failing at 33K is a bit worrying though!

A whine is assosiated with the bearings failing...

A rattle/nosiy diff is something else entirely...... either worn gears or (as is normal) the two halves of the diff are starting to come appart thus making a noise....


Just drive the car enthusiastically (with sympathy) and enjoy it.....

[alexperkins]

33k on a polo GTI at this age shouldve had a new cambelt and tensioners...if it hasnt - it needs it now!

[leescreen123]

so does the rattlerly diff mean i need a new box or can this be sorted without a recon? i think its slowly getting worse aswell....

very grateful for the replies,
had the cambelt done by vw, £320 pound week before had the clutch done!

[tegwin]

IMHO... get the box out and get it looked at!

They will only replace the bits that are worn out...including the diff rivets if needed! if you take the box out yourself it will cost you about £350-£400 for the rebuild etc.....